Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12786, Elisha Downer, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn. continental
Downer, Elisha
S. 12786
Carded
CONTENTS

27.785
New York
Eliza Drown
Resident in the State of New York was a soldier in the company commanded by Captain Bacon of the reg t commanded by Col. Chestn n in the Continental service for 11 months, 28 days 3 — " — " — " —
537 1/2 Continental Conn. Dec. 11, 1865 Records completed
Enscribed on the Roll of New York the rate of 95 Dollars — Cents per annum commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Dec r 1831 and sent to John Lawrence Wawawanta
Arrears to the 4th of Sep r 1834 330. Semi-ant. allowance ending March 35 45. $375
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Samuel D. Day Clk

In the matter of Elisha Lorrain Application for a Pension
Hon W. Lay ecr.
C. Tucker, Agent - Ithaca Chautauqua Co N York

State of New York County of Chautauqua } ss:
On this fourteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, personally appeared before me Philo Ostrum, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Chautauqua, Elisha Downer, a resident of the Town of Elbery, in the said County of Chautauqua and State of New York, aged eighty nine years on the twenty first day of November last, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated - That in the month of March 1775 the inhabitants of Plainfield, Windham County, Connecticut were called out on an alarm to go to Boston, and that he, Declarant being a resident of Plainfield aforesaid volunteered and went to Boston and stayed there engaged in the service as a private soldier for the term of one month when he was discharged and returned home to Plainfield - That he does not recollect as they were formed into Companies & therefore he cannot state the names of any company officers - Does recollect the names of any field officers that were present at this time - That soon after his return from Boston, and in the month of May or June 1775 he again enlisted into Captain Waterman Clifts Company of state Troops at Plainfield aforesaid in the Regiment commanded by Col. Parsons, and marched to Newbury, where they united with more Troops, and marched from thence to Boston, where he was stationed and remained until the expiration of six months from the time of his said enlistment, that being the term of time for which he enlisted, and that during the said term of six months, he served in the capacity of orderly Sergeant, at the expiration of which time he was honorably discharged and returned home to Plainfield - That on the first of April 1776 as near as he can recollect he again enlisted at Plainfield aforesaid for the term of nine months in a company commanded by Capt. Asa Bacon in the Regiment commanded by Col. John Chester in the line of the state of Connecticut, and (as he thinks) on the continental establishment, (not positive as to that) they might have been state Troops - That immediately after his enlistment he was appointed to the office of Sergeant Major, of Col. Chesters Regiment in which capacity he acted until the expiration of his term, nine months - That he marched with said Regiment to the city of New York where he remained until Genl. Howe of the British Army took possession of that city, when he with the Regiment to which he belonged, retired to White Plains where he remained discharging the duties of his office until after the Battle of White Plains - That for some time previous to said Battle and during the said Battle, he commanded a Picket Guard and was actively engaged in the whole of said Battle -

That in a few days after the said Battle they Marched to the North Castle, and Marched from thence to the Jerseys & passed through the Jerseys into the state of Pennsylvania & continued their March to a place called Salisbury, he thinks twenty seven miles from Philadelphia where the Regiment were discharged on the twenty fifth day of December 1776 when he returned home to Plainfield about the first day of January 1777.
That in the month of March 1777 he entered the Service again as Ensign in a company of State Troops commanded by Capt. Asa Kinney in Col. Ripley's Regiment and Marched to Providence in the State of Rhode Island where he with his company were stationed three months. Their principal business was to guard the town of Providence against the encroachments the encroachments of the British and that after doing duty as Ensign in said company for the said term of three months his company was discharged and he returned home. That he received his Commission about the time the company was raised. That about one year from the time of after the expiration of his Service as Ensign, he received a Commission as Lieutenant in a company of State Troops commanded by Capt. Seth Grosvenor, in the Regiment commanded by Col. McClellan. That he entered the Service as such Lieutenant at Plainfield (he thinks) and Marched directly to the State of Rhode Island and went on to the East side of Rhode Island where they remained over three months as near as he can recollect and as he verily believes. That at this time the British were quartered on the Island and they were stationed opposite the Island to prevent the British from passing over.
That in the year 1829 he sent a Declaration to the City of Washington accompanied by the affidavits of Samuel Stewart and Phineas Stevens but did not succeed in getting a pension. That he is well acquainted with the said Stewart and Stevens, and that their statements are correct and that he declarant is the identical Elisha Doolittle their names. That he does not know of any documentary evidence that can be procured and that the said Samuel Stewart and Phineas Stevens are the only witnesses he can procure.
That he was born in the town of Preston in the County of NEW-London on the 21 day of November D 1744.
That he puts them is a record of his age in the town book of the town of Preston where he was born, but that he has no record of his age any where else. That he once had a record of his age but that it was lost with his other papers. That he was living at Plainfield Connecticut when called into service and has since lived in Stephentown, N.Y. & from thence he moved to the town of Phelps, Ontario County, about the year 1801 and afterwards he went to Seneca, Ontario County, N.Y. & from thence to Rutland, Jefferson Co., N.Y. where he remained until about the first

of November 1832 when he removed to the Town of Elmer, County of Chautauqua and State of New York, where he now resides and has resided ever since Novr 1832 -
That he saw Genl. Putnam at Boston, and afterwards saw Genl. Washington at Boston. That he was well acquainted with Genl. Putnam & has often seen Genl. Washington while in the service. Saw him at New York & White Plains - That he saw Genl. Parsons & Lieut. Col. Phelps. - That a few years ago he could recollect most of the officers, but now his memory is so impaired by old age & bodily infirmity that he cannot -
That he does not remember whether he ever received a written discharge or not, but if he did he has no recollection -
That he received two commissions one as Ensign and the other as Lieutenant, both of which were signed by Governor Muenster but that he has lost them both. That he has, in moving from place to place lost all his papers and his commissions among the rest. - That he received a Warrant as his Authority while acting as Sergeant Major and that was lost long ago - That by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory he cannot state particulars of his service any more minutely than he has done above. That he is fully satisfied that he served one month as a private soldier, six months as an Orderly sergeant, nine months as Sergeant Major, three months as Ensign, and three months as Lieutenant -
That he is acquainted with Stephen McLaughlin and Chauncy Tucker who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution - That in consequence of his old age & bodily infirmity he has not been able to leave home to visit any of his neighbors since he came to the Town of Elmer & consequently but little acquainted - That he is not acquainted with any clergyman in the County of Chautauqua & no clergyman resides in his neighborhood - That he is acquainted with the Rev. Wm Taylor a Member of Congress from Onondaga County, who can testify respecting his belief of his services - That he thinks he cannot be in a mistake respecting the length of time that he served, but that he may be in a mistake about the particular month or day when he commenced or ended a term of service -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any state
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Miss Estlin
Elmer J. Taylor

We Stephen Mespinger and Chauncy Tucker residing in the town of Ellery in the said County of Chautauqua & Chauncy Tucker residing in the town of Pamelia in the said County of Chautauqua hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Elisha Downm who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that We believe him to be eighty nine years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier and officer of the Revolution, and that We concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed this day of year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three Philo Orton
Chauncy Tucker Stephen Mespinger
And I the said Philo Orton, Judge as aforesaid do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named affiant was a revolutionary Soldier and Officer, and served as he states - And I further certify that it appears to me that Stephen Mespinger Esq. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Justice of the Peace resident in the town of Ellery in the County of Chautauqua, and that Chauncy Tucker Esq. who has also signed the same is a Justice of the Peace of the said County resident in the town of Pamelia in said County and that they are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit, and that there is no eligible man resident in the neighborhood of the said Elisha Downm - And I further certify that the said Elisha Downm is unable to attend Court - And I further certify that I justly believe that the statement Declaration above made by the said Elisha Downm is true - Philo Orton

State of New York Chautauqua County } Clerk's Office } I James B. Lorry Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Philo Orton, before whom the annexed Declaration and Affi- davits &c. was taken, was, at the date of the same, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas held in & for said County, and that his name subscri- -bed to the jurat of said affidavits & to the annexed Certificate of Credibility is his proper handwriting Signature
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County this Sixteenth of June A.D. 1834
J. B. Lorry, Clerk
  Served as a private soldier  1 month     Do as orderly sergeant  6  00    Do as sergeant major  9  00    Do as Ensign  3  00    Do as Lieutenant at least  3  00  
and was actively engaged in the whole of said Battle -

31072 In the matter of Elisha Downer
Application for a pension
Receipts
Oct. 24, Sept 29 John Sweeney 20 June '32 Hon D. Wardwell 15 Nov. 32. O. Hemenford 31 May '34 W. Taylor
debit? to W. Taylor 2 June '34 "

State of New York County of Ontario S.S.
On the twenty second day of August 1829 personally appeared in Open court, being a court of records viz a court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ontario State of New York Elisha Downer resident in said County aged eighty two years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath Make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions of the Acts of Congress of the 18 th March 1818 and the first of May 1820 that the said Elisha Downer enlisted for the term of nine Months on or about the first day of April in the year 1776 in the State of Connecticut in the Company Commanded by Captain Asa Bacon in the Regiment Commanded by Col John Chester in the line of the State of Connecticut on the Continental establishment that he continued to serve in said Corps as Sergeant Major of the Regiment which post he held until about the first day of Jan y 1777 when he was discharged from the service in the State of Pennsylvania at a place he thinks called Salisbury twenty seven Miles from Philadelphia
In addition to the service detailed above in which he relies for his pension he will State that in the year 1775 he served as Sergeant in Captain Waterman Clifts Company Col Parsons Regiment and was stationed at Boston and its vicinity and served six Months. In March 1777 he entered as Ensign in Captain Asa Kinnerys Company Col. Ripleys Regiment served three months stationed in the State of Rhode Island. Also in the year 1778 he served as Lieutenant in Captain Seth Grovers Company Col. McClellans Regiment Service in the State of Rhode Island. While he was engaged in the Nine Months service he was in the Battle of White Plains.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension except the present and his name is not on the Pensions Roll of any State and the following are the principal reasons for not making earlier Application for a pension. First he was informed that three years service or for and during the war was necessary to give him a pension. Secondly, When he was informed that Nine Months service was sufficient which he only learned about a year since being Old and infirm and far from his former residence where he could in all probability the most easily find proof of his service he was prevented from making Application earlier
And in pursuance of the Act of the first May 1820 I do solemnly affirm

That I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18 th day of March 1818" And that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me nor have I any income whatever. I have no property to make a schedule of. I have a scanty supply of wearing apparel and one bed and bedding. I am by occupation a blacksmith have ceased to work at that employment or any other for many years past by reason of my advanced age and infirmities I am not a housekeeper my wife being dead, have four children neither of whom is in a condition to give me much if any assistance. I now live with a daughter whose husband is now and has been for the last two years suffering under a severe stroke of the palsy which has completely prostrated him depriving him of speech and of the use of his limbs. he has a large family is poor, and in all probability never can recover. That since the 18 th March 1818 the following changes have been made in my property.
   Description of Property Name of the person to whom disposed of Time of Sale Amount of money or description of property received in return     Three acres & three quarters of an acre in the Town of Wolcott, Wayne County, State of New York Sold to Mr Lyon of Wolcott Sold in the year 1820 Sold for $150. Cash and received and used as my necessities required  
No other property beside the above described has been possessed by me or disposed of by me since the 18 th of March 1818 and my circumstances, and situation, are as stated above in my declaration.
When I was discharged from the nine months service in which I was engaged I did not receive a written discharge, but was discharged honorably.
Sworn in open Court this 22 nd day of August 1829 Samuel Rawson a Judge of said Court } Elisha Downer I Ralph Lester Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ontario County do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the said Elisha Downer did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy for the term of nine months under one engagement on the Continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath is truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the said

Elisha Downer is destitute of any property proper to be set forth in a schedule In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 22 nd day of August 1829
Ralph Lester Clerk

Rev War
12.786 INVALID.
File No. 12.786
Elisay Downer Lt. Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

New York Revo Act 7 June 32
Suspended
let to John Sweeney 8th Sept 1834
abn d
Elisha Downer, Revo. N. York.
Rejected. See letter to John Sweeney, Sept. 24, 1829. do. to Hon. S. Ward June 20. 1832 do 22 June 1832
See letter to O'Hanrahan 15 Nov. 1832
See letter to Hon. W. Taylor May 31. 1834. —

add. proof. Eliza Downes N.Y.
Mrs L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office Nov. 18 - Washington City.
about 11 mo serg. 3 mo Lieut.

Conewanta Nov 17 th 1834
Dear Sir
In relation to the claim of Elisha Dorrance for a Pension for services in the revolutionary War I had the honor to receive from you a communication of the date of Sep 6 th of which the following is an ex- tract.
Agreeably to your letter of the 25 th ult enclosing additional evidence in the case of Elisha Dorrance - his claim has been again examined. He alleges that in 75 he served 6 months as Sergeant in Clifts Comp & Parsons Regiment. This item should be substantiated by the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut. Also 9 months as Sergeant and Sergeant Major in 76 in Parsons Comp, Chester Regiment. This service is only established as a term of five months. Also three months as Ensign in the Spring of 77 in Ninnys Comp Trippley's Regiment and one year thereafter '78 he was appointed Lieutenant & served three months in Grosvenors Company, M c Clallens Regiment. There is

no evidence of his appointment and service in 77 as Ensign & the certificate of Mr Phelps shews that he was appointed Lieutenant in Grosvenors company in Sep 77 instead of the Spring of 78, as alleged. If he will produce the certificate of the Comptroller as to the service of 75 there is now incurred no difficulty to allowing his claim for 74 months as Sergeant and three months as Lieutenant
I have now the honor to transmit to you the certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut establishing Mr Dorrers claim to the service of Six months in Bliss company, Parsons Regiment, as Sergeant in 75.
It may be proper to note, that his service as Ensign, was performed in the State of Rhode Island, and no proof of that service is offered. Trusting that Mr Dorrers claim is now finished, and to the substantial satisfaction of the aged veteran, (now 90 years old) I subscribe myself

Most Sincerely
your ob st Servant 34
James L. Edwards Esq r Pension Agent Washington City
Mr. Sweeney
ern d on — the 25 th Down mp to 6 w see in e

State of Connecticut Comptroller's office Hartford 30 th October 1894
On examination of the Files in this office, it appears, that, Elisha Dorrner served as Sergeant in the 6 th Company commanded by Captain Waterman Clift (belonging to the 6 th Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Holden Parsons) in the year 1775 from the 6 th day of May to the 6 th day of November, 6 months, and received pay fourteen pounds Eight Shillings.
Certified by Roger Huntington Comptroller of Public Accounts

I John Bacon of Canterbury in Windham County and State of Connecticut, of lawfull age, testify and say, that I am the son of Capt. Asa Bacon who was the commander of a company in Colonel Col. Chester's Regiment in the revolutionary war; my father is now deceased and his military papers are now in my hands and possession, and on the Roll of the company which my father commanded now in my possession, I find the name of "Elisha Downer 3 d Sergeant" as a member of said company.
And further the deponent saith not— Dated at Canterbury this 22 d day of January 1830— John Bacon
I Jesse Ensworth of Canterbury in Windham County State of Connecticut, of lawfull age testify and say that in July 1776, I went into the revolutionary army as a soldier, in Capt. Asa Bacon's company, and I continued to serve through the summer, and in the fall of that year I was taken violently sick, and my sickness compelled me to leave the army in the fall, say in October or November 1776— And I further say that during the period of my service Sergeant Elisha Downer, now of the State of New York was a member of the same company in Col. Chester's Regiment— And served as a Sergeant in said company— I left him there. and further say not. Jan y 23 d 1830 J. Ensworth.

State of Connecticut, Windham County ss. Canterbury January 22 d 1830. Personally appeared John B. Allen a credible witness to me well known and made solemn oath to the truth of the within affidavit Attest. Andrew S. Judson Justice of the Peace
Windham County ss. Canterbury January 23 d 1830 Personally appeared Jesse Grosvenor, a credible witness to me well known, and made oath to the truth of the within affidavit Attest. Andrew S. Judson Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Carters of Canterbury in the County of Windham, of lawfull age, testify and say that in the month of or June May 1776, I enlisted as a soldier in the revolutionary war and went into the service, soon after, in Capt. Asa Bacon's company and Col. John Chester's Regiment. In the same company Elisha Downer, served having enlisted as a sergeant and afterwards discharged the duty of Sergeant Major in said Regiment. I left the service on the 25th day of Decr. 1776, and Sergeant Major Downer served to that time how much longer I am not able to say. His service commenced when I were did. The year after, I saw the same Elisha Downer in the service in the State of Rhode Island and further say not Samuel Carters January 23 d 1830
Windham County ss. Canterbury January 23 d 1830 Personally appeared Samuel Carters, a credible witness, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit. Andrew J. Fudson Justice of the Peace

I Ammi Buelles Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut, do certify that Andrew T. Hudson Esquire before whom the foregoing Affidavits were made is duly enrolled as a Justice of of the Peace in and for said Windham County that the foregoing signatures of his name are in his hand writing, and full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the public seal of said Court at Brooklyn in said County this 26th day of January Anno Domini 1836.
Ammi Buelles Clerk

James Edwards Esqr Pension Office
Eliza Hewner

Sir
Geneva 18 th Sept. 1829.
Enclosed are papers going to establish the claims of Elisha Drowner a revolutionary soldier, to a pension. I hope they will not be found wanting in any legal or necessary formality. The pension certificate when made out will be sent to me.
Certain papers in the case of Zebulon Benton were transmitted from your office to me. I was sick of a fever when they came to hand. As soon as I recovered, I lost no time in attending to the correction of the errors in them. There were two errors or omissions in the papers. First the claimant had not accounted for property disposed of since March 18 th 1818". Secondly "the court had not given any opinion in relation to the claimants circumstances". In the latter "omission" I applied to the court, and got it corrected. Benton is now in Massachusetts 300 miles from here. I have written to him, and given him the proper direction to correct the omission or error of not accounting for property disposed of &c. &c. I directed him to go into open court there , and make

his statement as an appendix or continuation of his Declaration made here . This statement, when made, he will send me, and when received, I will transmit to your office all the papers in relation to his case, and trust they will be found substantially if not technically correct.
I have in the enclosed papers carefully recorded the blunders made in the first. In the case of Dorrance now presented, we have that of a valuable and proud veteran of the revolution, who served as a soldier and an officer in that period as will be seen in the testimony furnished. Moreover from his youth upwards to the present period, and he is now 82 years old he has maintained an unblemished character. Need I say to you in passing on his case, a liberal and kind temper will be shown towards him; I need not, for I am sure you will do him justice.
Yours sincerely Edwards Esq. Pension Office
I remain your obed t humble servant
John Dorrance
P.S. Your communication to me was directed "Penceo" instead of Geneva: — a mistake

Hon. J. L. Edwards Commission of Pensions Washington City

Fredania August 19. 1836 Chautauqua Co. N. York
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
I have the honor to transmit herewith the papers touching the case of Elisha Downer an Applicant for a Pension - Mr Downer has obtained from Connecticut the 2 Certificates enclosed. I am more than ever convinced of the equity of the old man's Claims - It is not to be expected that a man of his age should remember exactly the times of Commencing & closing the terms of his service - I know that the old man is rigidly honest and the Hon. Mrs Taylor who first presented his papers probably convinced you of that. The old man will be 90 years old next week - it is therefore important that his application should be speedily acted upon, in order that he may reap some of the fruits of his revolutionary labors - Although the Comptroller's Certificate is not full respecting all the old man's services yet I trust enough is proved to show that the old man's statement is substantially correct. Will you give me a speedy answer -
Your Obedt Servt C. Tucker - Agent For the applicant

18
James L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office Washington City

Geneva Octr 15 th 1832
Dear Sir
I transmitted in September 1829 to your Depart- ment sundry Papers in relation to the claims of Elisha Downer for a Pension. In answer to the application you say "The acts providing for revolutionary officers and soldiers extend to none who did not serve at least nine months on the continental establishment. As none of of the regiments to which he Elisha Downer, was attached belonged to said establishment, a pension can -not of course be granted. The papers will remain on our files according to the regulations of this Department respecting rejected cases"
The Act of last session brings in Downer. His services were for a long period (some 3 years) and the proof of his services most simple. The only difficulty then in the way of his being pensioned was that he was not in the continental establishment, but was in the State service. Downer is living (he removed from here some months since) is wretchedly poor and old. I procured his proof with much labor, and got his papers authenticated at my own expence. I feel anxious that he receives his Certificate for a pension, that the residue of his life may be cheered by the justice of his country, which he gallantly served.
I do not know whether Downer has any thing to do in this matter. Perhaps the certificate will issue of course; if so please send it to me; if any thing further is to be done please give me the necessary information.
James L. Edwards Esq r
I remain your ob dt Servt John Sweeney

Tonawanda Aug 26 - 1861 N.Y. Sept 2 o Elisha Downer.
Mrs J. Edwards G. J. Pension Office City of Washington

Elisha L. Drowner

Service of Elisha H. Howell
75 1 no officer etc
" 2 ————— 6 mo. prov. Sergt.
76. 9 mo. known to be 5 mo. — — —
77. 3 mo Ensign not found by Phelps
" 3 mo. Lt. found — — —

Certificate of E. Phelps
JHB Chauncy Seeker Esq Tadoussac Chaotaugue New York

It appears by an authenticated copy of a pay roll of the 8 th Co. 8 th Reg t . raised by order of the General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut May 1775 that Olesko Downer served as a Sergeant in said company from the 6 th of May to the 6 th of November 1775, being six months. Said company was commanded by Capt. Waterman. Col t & Reg t by Col o . Samuel H. Parsons.
It appears by the records of the State of Connecticut that the General Assembly in June 1776 ordered six battalions to be raised & to serve until the 25 th Dec r 1776, appointed John Chester Col o . Solomon Will s 2 d Col o . & John Bifley Major of one of them, & also Bacon one of the Captains therein.
The pay roll of Capt. also Bacon's company is charged on the books of the Pay Table to the United States under date May 9 th 1777. No roll of his Co y or of Chester's regiment has been found.
It appears by the journal of the Council of Safety under date January 24 th 1777 that Asa Hinne, Ebenezer Moseley & Benajah Lefingwell were appointed Captains of companies to serve in the State of Rhode Island until the 1 st of April 1777 according to the agreement of the Convention held at Providence & ratified

by the General Assembly of Connecticut.
Under date May 14 th 1777 there is charged to the United States on the book of the Pay Table To amount of Major John Ripleys account rendered for part of his regiment stationed at Providence. £1861. 10 7.
It appears by the journal of the Council of Safety that Major John Ripley was appointed a Major in the expedition to Rhode Island.
In February 1778 the Genl Assembly of Connecticut ordered two brigades to be raised consisting of six regiments, and to serve until the 1 st of March 1779. The field Officers were then appointed. The Colonels were Dnos - Cook - Mott - Mead - Hooker & McClellan.
No list has been found of the Captains & subalterns of these six regiments.
By entries in the journal of the Council of Safety, it is presumed, that a list of them was sent to the respective Colonels, there is no entry of the names on the journal.
These six regiments were in June 1778 reduced to three, & the names of the Captains & subalterns retained therein were entered upon that journal. Among those names I do not find Seth Grosvenor or Elisha Dyer. I certify to the truth of the above.
Hartford Aug 13 1834
C. Phelps ex. Compt

Sir
I transmit the result of my examination regarding the services of Elisha Dorrance. My successor being out of town I could not obtain his certificate. I presume Col. Edwards Govt of Pensylvania, with whom I am well acquainted, will not require this. If he should, let him return it to me, & I will procure it to be done
Yours &c O. Phelps
I've, having traveled 13 miles from home to attend to this B.S.
9

Certificate of L. Phelps
6 Sergt 3 Sergt 11 - 3 mo. Ensign 3 mo. Lt
Thomas Wheeler Esq. Frederick Charlotte County New York

From the year mentioned in your letter, regarding the appointment of Elisha Dorrance to be 2 d in Col. M c Clellan's regiment, I did not examine the list of appointments for any previous time. But after sending my certificate you I examined a portion of the year 1777, & found the appointment sought.
I certify that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety under date September 23 rd 1777 that one battalion was ordered to be raised, & to serve in Rhode Island for thirty one days. Samuel M c Clellan was appointed Col. Noah Phelps 2 d Col. & Barstool Beebe Major; & that under date September 25 th 1777 among other officers it appears that Seth Grosvenor was appointed Captain, Elisha Dorrance 1 st Lieut. Isaac Hyde 2 nd 2 d & Robert Sisson Ens d of a company in a battalion now ordered to be raised to be under command of Samuel M c Clellan Col d .
Wadsworth Aug 13 th 1834 The Comptroller being absent I certify to both of the foregoing Certificates as Compt ble

I would add, the expenses of this regiment to Rhode Island were charged to the United States under date January 21 st 1878
E. D. Shepley

6 11/11/11 11/11/11
I hasten to forward the enclosed proof of Mr Downer's appointment to the post
3-6 W. D. [unclear]
John [unclear] [unclear] [unclear]

Elisha Downer Affidavit
1278627785

State of New York Jefferson County ss
On this 15 th of August 1832 personally came before me Calvin McKnight first Judge of Jefferson County - Elisha Downer aged eighty six years who being duly sworn deposes & says that in the summer of 1828 he made application for a pension and that his papers were forwarded to the War Department and that he resided at that time in Geneva County of Ontario & State aforesaid and that he now resides in Rutland County of Jefferson & State aforesaid and that he served six months and left company in Col Parsons Regt in the Revolutionary War in the year - 1775 and that he served eight or nine - months in Col Bacon's company in Col Chester's Regt in 1776 and that in 1777 & 1778 he served three several times of about one month each at Rhode Island the first as Ensign under Col Kirtney the second as Lieut under Col Grevinnor & the third as Adjutant - the name of the Colonels under which these last services were performed he does not recollect except Col Douglas to whom regt Col Grevinnor belonged all of which above mentioned services his deponent performed in the Connecticut Troops and for the proof thereof he would refer to the original papers now in the office of the department
Subscribed & sworn to 15 of August 1832
Elisha Downer
before me Calvin McKnight
First Judge of Jeff County Court

State of New York Jefferson County 6th No office
vs. I, P. Burchard Black of said County do hereby certify that to all in Mr. Straight before whom the within affidavit was taken was at the date of the same just Judge of Jefferson County Court; And further that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature to the same to be genuine. Witness my hand and the seal of said County this 15th day of August 1832 P. Burchard Black

Personally appeared before me Stephen  Stephens a justice of the peace Phineas Stephens of the Town of Geneva, to me personally known, and being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, that in the year 1775 he belonged to captain Willis' best company Col John Durkee Reg't, Mercer's Brigade Connecticut line, he was a private soldier in said company. That he is intimately acquainted with Elisha Downer, has known him since he deponent was a boy.
That to the entire knowledge of deponent Elisha Downer was a soldier in the service of the United States, in the year 1775, that he belonged to captain Asa Bacon company, Connecticut line, which company was in service for the period of nine months. That Downer while attached to said company was the sergeant major of the Regiment to which the company belonged. At the time the battle of Long Island was fought, the company to which deponent belonged was stationed at Poughkeepsie, and captain Asa Bacon company was then in the city of New York. When Gen Howe of the enemy took possession of that city, the American troops retired to White Plains, captain Bacon company took post there with the American forces. While our troops remained there

the deponent made a visit to that place on Yaulough, and there saw Elisha Downer engaged in the active discharge of the duties of his station. After the battle of White-Plains the American troops passed over to the Jerseys and the troops at Poughkeepsie joined the main forces in the Jerseys. The Regiment to which deponent belonged, was discharged, after performing its regular period of service and the additional period of one month which was volunteered, at Valley Forge in the Jerseys. The corps to which Elisha Downer belonged after performing its tour of service, was, as deponent verily believes discharged in some place in the State of Pennsylvania; and then and there, Elisha Downer Sergeant major after performing his duty for the full period of his enlistment, viz Nine months, was to the full and satisfactory knowledge of deponent Honorably discharged.
When deponent was discharged from the service, in which he was then engaged, he returned to his home, to Plainfield, Windham County State of Connecticut, and there he found Elisha Downer who was a

resident of the same Town, He having been previously discharged, Honorably, after the period of His service nine months expired Downer some years thereafter moved from the State of Connecticut into the western part of the State of New York. For many years has been, and is now a resident of the Town of Seneca County of Ontario State of New York of which place deponent is a resident.
In addition to the service performed by Downer in Captain Asa Brown's company for nine months, deponent believes, and has no doubt of the fact, that He Downer was engaged as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, for at least one other tour of duty, but for what period deponent does not know. Downer's character as a soldier, and as a man, stood high. From his boyhood, up to the present period, it has been irreproachable, and above suspicion.
Sworn before me this 22 d day of May 1829
Cephas Shickell
Ps. "St. eems"

I certify that I have been acquainted with the within named deponent for the space of Twenty years last past and believe him to be a man of truth & veracity 22 May 1829
Cephas Shekell
State of New York
Ontario County ss I Certify that Cephas Shekell whose signa- ture appears the jurat of the within affidavit and also to the above certificate was on the 22 d day of May 1829 a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and sworn In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 24 th day of August 1829
Ralph Lester Clerk
Testimony of Thomas Stephens in the case of Elisha Danner.

Personally appeared before me Cephas Schiekel a justice of the Peace, in and for the Town of Seneca County of Ontario State of New York, Samuel Stewart of the Town of Sen- eca County of Seneca, State aforesaid, and being duly sworn deposeth and saith — That he has known Elisha Dower now an applicant for a pension, for the last sixty years — in the early part of his life, to wit, prior, during, and subsequent to the American Revolution, he was intimately acquainted with him , he deponent then living in Voluntown Windham County State of Connecticut, and he Dower then was a resident of Plainfield a Town adjoining to that in which deponent lived. That in the war of the revolution to the full and entire knowledge of deponent, Elisha Dower performed three several tours of duty as a soldier and as an officer in the service of the United States, in the forces of the State of Con- necticut. First, he enlisted at Plainfield and joined the American forces at Roxbury and was engaged for six months. He enlisted some time in the last of the year 1775 or the beginning of the year 1776. His next service was com- menced at Plainfield Connecticut in the year 1776 where

He enlisted soon after he was discharged from his first service. He enlisted as a private soldier in the company under the command of Captain Asa Bacon, who to deponent was well known, and who was at another time the commanding officer of deponent. He enlisted for the period of nine months. Downer after his enlistment in Capt. Bacons company which company was in the service of the United States, making a part of the forces of the State of Connecticut, marched with the American troops to New York & White Plains and was there as deponent vividly believes engaged in the battle of that place. From thence with the troops he passed through the Jerseys, and was, after performing his duty as a soldier for the full period of his enlistment in  Nine months Honorably discharged. He was discharged in some part of the State of Pennsylvania. Deponent was not with Downer during his service while he was in the company under the command of Capt. Asa Bacon, but knows the facts stated above to be true. He is as well satisfied of their truth, as he would be if he had been a mess-mate of Downer while he was

engaged in that Service. Deponent was personally acquainted with the officers of Bacons company, and a number of the men, and he does not know that at this time there is living a single member of the company, but is of opinion that they have all paid the debt of nature.
After Downers service expired in Bacons company he returned to his home in Plainfield, and after remaining home a short time he then went into the United States Service as an Ensign in a company commanded by Col. Asa Kinner of the Connecticut forces, and was engaged in the service for three months, and was stationed in the State of Rhode Island.
Elisha Downer is now about 84 years, and deponent is 68 years old. From the period deponent was nine years of age up to the present time, he has known Elisha Downer. His character as a soldier, an officer, and as a man was always fair and without blemish. Deponent lives in the Town of Ithaca County of Seneca, State of New York, and Elisha

Deponent is now a resident of the Town of Geneva County of Ontario State aforesaid, and further deponent saith not.
Sam l Stewart
Sworn & subscribed before me this 11 th August 1829
Cephas Shekell justice of the peace
I do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Samuel Stewart for the last Ten years past & have always have always & know that he is a man of truth and veracity and of unexceptionable character Geneva 11 August 1829
Cephas Shekell J.P.
State of New York
Ontario County ss
I certify that Cephas Shekell whose signature appears to the above certificate was on the day of the date thereof a justice of the Peace in and for said county duly elected and sworn
The testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 24 th day of August 1829
Ralph Satter Clerk